There are over 300 islands in the South Pacific archipelago that composes Fiji. There are two large islands where most of the population live, Viti Levu and Vanua. Vanua contains the capital of Suva and the airport which is in the town of Nadi.
The Islands were formed via volcanic activity and there are still areas that are geothermically active on Vanua Levu and Taveuni.
Why Visit?
Fiji is a tropical paradise with pristine clear oceans teaming with life and beautiful white sandy beaches. There are a significant number of uninhabited islands for those who want to get away from it all. So if you like sunbathing, surfing, sailing, diving, whale watching, skark feeding and/or snorkelling this is the place for you. The larger islands offer an interesting internal landscape with forests and fantastic walking trails. The two larger islands offer plenty of man-made cultural experiences as well as plenty of shops.
Transportation
The airport in Nadi is the international hub which handles all incoming and outgoing international air traffic. There are 14 additional local airports spread across the Island group. The islands are linked by an extensive network of roll on and roll of ferries which the reliable local buses also use.
When To Visit
High seasons are June – September and December – January prices increase by around 20% due to holidays in Australia and New Zealand. The climate is good all year round however there is a ‘wet’ season with corresponding lower prices (February – April and also November). The rainfall in the wet season is intermittent and not very heavy so it is still a good time to visit. Be aware that the islands do periodically experience hurricanes.
Islands & Chains
Vanua Levu is the second largest Island. It is quieter than Vanua whilst still being able to provide some urban sophistication. A big pull for this Island is the untouched rain forest which is easily accessed via a network of walking trails.
If you are a nature lover then Taveuni is a good choice. It has some amazing dive sites, forest, nature reserves and lots of wildlife. The tourism here is geared towards the eco-friendly customer.
The Mamanucas group are close to the international airport and so they are, naturally, the most heavily populated with tourists. They are fantastically beautiful and offer lots of holiday resorts and hotels with all the facilities and night life that you would expect.
The Lomaiviti Group will allow you to experience a taste of the colonial past and it has an UNESCO site at Levuka.
The Yasawa Islands provide a tranquil retreat for anyone who simply wants to get away from it all.
I actually went to Fiji last year to do some whale watching and it was fantastic! The few diving tours I did were out of this world. You could not believe the beauty of this land. It is something I recommend seeing in person. I am planning on going back later this year with family. The resort we stayed in was like heaven! I know I didn’t get to see everything on my first trip so the second one will be so worth it.
Oh Jessie is so blessed to be able to do this. I so want to ..If I can save enough and COVID #s are lowered I might go next year…..I have never been out of the USA……I am 70 …I should just do it before God takes me home. He did create a gorgeous Planet